The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association is very proud to recognize Duke Fitzgerald of the Squirt AA Livonia Knights as the Wes Danielson Award winner, as part of the 2023 MAHA Awards Banquet.

At age 3, Duke became a below-the-knee amputee... but it was at age 5 when he discovered his talent for skating on the neighbor's outdoor rink. He started playing house hockey at age 8, and by age 9 he tried out and made the Livonia Knights Squirt AA hockey team, coached by Brad Sparks. Duke has been described as a fierce defenseman and an incredible skater -- combined with his sportsmanship and positive attitude on and off the ice, he was named team captain that same year. 

In fact, these incredible attributes shine through so brightly in Duke... that Coach Sparks hadn't realized that Duke was an amputee until half way through the season (in the locker room). 

The Wes Danielson Award honors the perseverance, courage, and passion dedicated by a participant to the game of hockey. As our Wes Danielson Award winner, we are proud to present you with a $2,500 scholarship for the future.

Duke, we salute your love of the game as well as the passion and dedication you bring to the rink every single day. You are truly an inspiration to our entire community!